Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and one of the most popular hill stations in India. Nestled amidst the lush green hills and dense forests. The former summer capital of the British India is one of the most aesthetically planned cities blessed with the mesmerising beauty of nature. Situated at an altitude of 2200 meters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and serene valleys, Shimla is a perfect escape for hill station lovers with a perfect combination of colonial heritage and natural beauty.
Manali is a high-altitude town in Himachal Pradesh. Manali got its name from the saint Manu, as per Hindu mythology is believed that Manu have created human beings. Tourist can enjoy paragliding at Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. Rohtang Pass, around 50 km from Manali, is a high altitude mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh.
The picturesque surroundings of Dharamshala and the presence of great Buddhism culture make this hill stations one of the best in India. It’s divided into two parts, upper Dharamshala and lower Dharamshala and both these regions have scenic landscapes , bungalows, churches, monasteries, and cantonment that are surrounded by the mighty Dhauladhar mountains. While holidaying in Dharamshala don't miss the glory of Tibetan culture, which can be seen and experienced through its monasteries situated here.
Amritsar is amongst the most revered sites of the world. It was founded as recently as the 16th century. Its name is a derivative of the Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar) amidst which stands the Golden Temple, the most sacred of Sikh shrines. Amritsar has a rich history encompassing various mythical and historical narratives including the epic Ramayana. Amritsar has gained tremendous popularity for its gourmet traditions; especially the dhabas (roadside eatery) that churn out, amongst an inexhaustible list of delicacies.
Delhi has a number of tourist attractions, right from history to present. Museums, heritage, shopping -you name it, Delhi has it all. It’s astonishing heritage is the city's star attraction - both in terms of its monuments and its cultural offerings. Although there are sites in Delhi that one may tick off the travellers list, it is the Old Delhi area which has those lesser talked about places that cannot be missed.
Namaste & arrive at Delhi airport. You will be met by “SenKay TWD” representative, later traditional welcome and introduction with the driver proceed to Shimla.
The capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills. Once the summer capital of British India. It’s also known for the handicraft shops that line The Mall, - In evening hours this place looks beautiful with dazzling lights and crowds of people. It is referred to as the ‘heart of Shimla’.
Vehicles are strictly prohibited in the Mall road. Main points around the Mall of Shimla are: Scandal Point, General Post Office, Kali Bari Temple, Gaiety Theatre.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Shimla has lot to offer in terms of picturesque locations, it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lots of greenery on hills wherever you look. The magnificent structures you will find here are made during the colonial era which creates an aura which you won’t find anywhere in other hill station. Explore the beautiful sights of the ‘’Queen of Hills ‘’. City tour to popular destinations –Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (Closed on Monday) ,
Jhaku Temple. Jakhu Hill is the highest peak around. It is 2 kms from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft. It offers a beautiful view of the city and of the snow-covered mountain ranges around. There is an old temple of Lord Hanuman. If one has to visit this place then be careful of numerous playful monkeys waiting to be fed by visitors.
Also visit Kufri for snow activities (access subject to snowfall/on direct payment basis) , This place is around 16 kms from Shimla. It is well known for its ski slopes, Commands good views, Potato Research Station. Kufri has a mini zoo amidst dense forest where a rare breed of wild animals species commonly found in natural habitation. It is spread over an area of twenty hectares of land. We can also see ‘Monal’ the State bird of Himachal Pradesh. The other animals of this zoo are Brown Bear , Tibetan wolf and Barking Deer. The other wild animals zoo are leopard, black bear, Samber, Ghoral, Himalayan Thar, Yaketc.
Later in the evening spend you leisure time at the The Mall road. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy your leisurely breakfast at the hotel with the panoramic view of the mountains. Later checkout and proceed to Manali. Upon arrival check in to the hotel and relax. Evening free to relax. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
From its lush mountains to its magnificent rivers, Manali is a sensory delight for all nature lovers. Lush forests, magical flowering valleys, stunning snow-clad peaks and, all of its different elements come together to make it an excellent destination for mountain-loving wanderers.
A treasure trove of birds, wildlife, lush flora and stunning landscapes, Himachal Pradesh is a place that fills your senses with the scent of the earth.
For Rohtang Pass one has to wake up early in order to avoid long waiting (limited vehicle are allowed for Rohtang). Later return to City to enjoy the beautiful sights.
Some of the prominent spots and attractions including Hadimba Devi Temple also called Dhungri Temple, Manu Temple, Tibetan Monastery, Van Vihar and Vashisht Hot Spring & Temple. In the afternoon proceed to Solang valley to enjoy the adventurous activities on direct payment basis. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.
Wake up with the beautiful scenic view, enjoy your leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Later get ready to move on the next stop at Dharamshala. It will be a drive of 07 – 08 Hours experiencing the scenic beauty. Dharamshala is a scenic and panoramic hill station, tucked away in the Himalayas. With the Dhauladhar ranges and thick deodar forests in the background. Dharamshala boasts of jaw-dropping backdrop, stunning lake, vibrant monasteries, colourful temples, sparkling waterfalls, and vintage forts & museums. Upon Arrival check in to the hotel and relax. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the beautiful tea estate resort, we are sure you would love the ambience. Dharamshala is home to various Buddhist monasteries and a visit to one of them first thing in the morning would make for a wonderful start to your day. Visit the Dalai Lama Complex, the Namgyalma Stupa, or the Tsechokling Gompa to experience the meditative and spiritual soul that is Dharamshala.
Next up is the visit to a Lord Shiva temple in Dharamshala known as Bhagsu Nag Temple. Not only is this temple a popular tourist destination due to its religious importance and stunning architecture, it garners praise because of the fresh water spring of Bhagsu waterfall that flows through the hill near the shrine.
The famous St. John’s Church in Dharamshala is another one of its arvellous tourist attractions. Perched carefully within the wilderness, St. John’s Church has a neo-Gothic construction that has given it a good reputation amongst tourists. The church easily stands out even within a thick forest grove, and not only is it a spiritually awakening destination, it is also in a peaceful and gorgeous environment to keep tourists calm and relaxed while enjoying the area.
The bazaar in Dharamshala is to die for. You can spend a couple of hours shopping and collecting souvenirs for your friends and family at the marketplace and enjoy the cooling evening time of the town when it comes alive. The chances of meeting new people and engaging with the locals are very high during this time in the bazaar, and it is a great way of gathering new experiences. Tibetan artifacts, jewelry and textiles are the highlight of this bazaar, so you’ve got something for everyone here. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Amritsar. In the afternoon, go for Amritsar city tour. The sightseeing will include visit to the beautiful Harmandir Sahib, famous as the Golden Temple. It is called so, for its roof is gold leafed. Then visit the Jallianwala Bagh in your private vehicle accompanied by an expert driver. Know more about the history of these sites from your well-versed and experienced guide.
Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Checkout and proceed to airport to board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check in at the hotel and rest of the car and chauffer available for the shopping. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, day free to spend some time shopping in the prominent malls. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Rooms are booked till 1200 hours. Half a day free for shopping activities. Later you will be transferred as per your flight arrival timings.
Tour Ends with bag fully loaded of priceless memories of Incredible India.
A Heritage Grand Hotel with rich wooden floors, glowing fireplaces, a grand atrium lobby and panoramic mountain views, The Oberoi Cecil’s warm ambience flows into our hospitality; as we welcome you at the front door, show you to your room or help you relax at the spa. At our dedicated children’s activity centre, we are also delighted to welcome your little ones for the holiday of a lifetime.
The WelcomHeritage Urvashi's Retreat in Manali's Bipasha Valley enhances the multi-faceted beauty of this paradise with its unmatched elegance. These best hotels in Manali offer cottages with stunning views of snow-capped mountains and gorgeous forests. The USP of WelcomHeritage Urvashi's Retreat Kullu Manali hotels is inherent in the broad spectrum of activities for anyone and everyone. The outdoor enthusiasts have paragliding, rock climbing, and trekking to keep them robust company while indoor types can laze and gaze at the sun or indulge in some board games. The chirping of birds outside the well-stocked library brings a new dimension to the term 'relaxation.' The outstanding bevy of facilities at WelcomHeritage Urvashi's Retreat Manali hotels includes all modern amenities with an added incentive of being ecologically sensitive.
Looking for the perfect holiday destination, away from the crowds? Lose yourself amidst the breathtaking Palampur Valley of Himachal Pradesh, that is yet unexplored by most tourists. Lamrin Villas provides you exquisite boutique villas, amidst the serenity of the Himalayan ranges and sprawling tea gardens. Lamrin Villas’s charming aristocratic architecture will transport you to a different era, while providing you with every modern amenity you need. Just a few steps outside the hotel is beauty and adventure, waiting to be discovered. Our team of experts are dedicated to guiding you through all the unique activities and sightseeing excursions this place has to offer.
RS Sarovar Portico has 42 spacious and well-furnished rooms and suites, offering magnificent views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Each room is equipped with modern amenities like a widescreen TV, a writing desk, and a minibar. We offer amazing dining options - from a multi-cuisine restaurant and an extensive bar to a revolving restaurant, which is worth the stay. A well-equipped fitness centre, 24-hour in-room dining, and free high-speed Wi-Fi access ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel also houses one of the largest banqueting and conferencing facilities in Palampur, in terms of both size and capacity to host weddings, off-sites, and other social events. During your stay with us, you can also indulge in trekking and paragliding activities.
Hyatt Amritsar, is the 5 star Deluxe hotel of the city, located at 4.2kms distance from the world renowned Golden Temple & 30 minutes from the Guru Ram Das International Airport. The hotel features 248 luxurious, contemporary guest rooms with 28 sets of Interconnecting family rooms, 52 Club Rooms, 07 Regency Suites, 02 Regency Executive Suites, 01 Amritsari Suite.
The Claridges, New Delhi has strived to be the best in business and has been successful in winning accolades of guests and fraternity. The Claridges houses some of the finest restaurants of the city, huge banquet halls, a rejuvenating fitness center, adequately furnished rooms, a pool with cabanas and lush green lawns to make your experience memorable. Comprising of elegantly adorned rooms, The Claridges offers you a plethora of rooms to choose from. Adequately equipped with all the facilities that you could possibly need, these rooms proffer an unconventional blend of the elegant style of architecture and the contemporary modern styles.
Journey to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
